The OMG! Guide to Parenting Disasters

There's nothing like the sinking realization that your keys are inside the car with a young child snapped into her car seat. Smile, and wave to the kiddo while you figure out your next move.

What You're Going to Do: Assuming your phone isn't in the car, call for help. Depending on where you are (a crowded mall parking lot, your own driveway), you have a few possibilities: Dial 911, and some locksmiths will dispatch free assistance when a child is trapped in a vehicle. But rescue may be even closer than a phone call, since some security officers have lockout tools. If you don't have a phone, enlist a friend or a passerby to get assistance for you. Don't leave the car!

If it's a warm day, cover the windshield and windows with blankets or newspaper to keep it from getting too hot inside. Obviously, leave gaps so you can see the kid and she can see you. Continue to smile, wave, and make faces. It is urgent that you get your child out of the car as soon as possible. If you're in a remote location without a means of getting help quickly, breaking a window is your only option. Pick the window that's farthest from your child, and get your hands on a heavy rock, a tire iron, or another hammerlike object. Be prepared to use a lot of force -- car windows are meant to be hard to break, but the corners are weaker so aim for one of them.

Lesson Learned: It's really easy to lose track of your keys when you're juggling small children. Forgive yourself and trust that the memory will keep you from ever doing it again. Don't forget to tell your tale to all your friends -- in vivid detail.